Gender Identity Issues: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Daniyal Mueenuddin's Short Story, Saleema

Abstract

This article focuses the difficulties encountered by women in Pakistani society as a result of the prevailing patriarchal norms, with a particular emphasis on issues of exploitation. The study aims to effectively sensitize the younger generation to these critical issues and underscore the influential impact of discourse in perpetuating gender inequality, while mitigating potential political and social ramifications. This paper employs the principles of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) to examine the construction of gender identity in the short story Saleema, the poignant narrative of a servant girl's rejection, her descent into engaging in sexual favors, and her eventual destitution. The examination reveals the utilization of discourse strategies and manipulative speech that mold gender identity, along with the socioeconomic elements that impact it. The results indicate that women residing in patriarchal societies, such as Pakistan, frequently experience a lack of independence and are subjected to mistreatment. Their roles are primarily defined by men, which greatly restricts their ability to act autonomously. The research emphasizes the importance of acknowledging these concerns and confronting the existing gender norms and roles in Pakistani society.

 Keywords: CDA, Exploitation, Patriarchal norms, Saleema, Resourceful groups.